Come to Germany!

Germany delights both the first-time visitor and the seasoned traveller. UNESCO World Heritage sites, fairytale castles, and breathtaking nature contrast with cutting-edge design and technology, modern art collections and contemporary cuisine to make Germany a diverse and exciting destination any time of the year.

In addition to the wonderful sights and attractions, Germany also hosts some of the world’s most colorful and vibrant festivals: Carnival in early spring, open-air events throughout the summer, wine and beer festivals in the fall (including the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich) and the magical Christmas markets of the holiday season.

Unspoiled countryside, challenging landscapes and a huge range of activities make Germany ideal for the active traveller. Long sandy beaches on the coasts and lake shores, enchanting lowland plains and the high peaks of the Alps are perfect settings to go hiking, biking or skiing. In addition, Germany boasts unique opportunities for the more adventurous traveller: canyoneering, rafting or snowboarding, to name just a few.

Activities like hiking, nordic walking or cycling also allow you to take in Germany’s beautiful nature and keep your carbon footprint low at the same time. Environmentally friendly architecture and green technology can be found everywhere in Germany, and you will be surprised how inspiring they are. This is a great year to visit Germany and experience history where it unfolded. After more than 28 years dividing the country, the Berlin Wall fell overnight from November 9 to 10, 1989, marking a historic event of global significance. Today, 20 years later, locals and visitors will commemorate the events of 1989 and 1990 with an extensive cultural program and special anniversary festivities throughout the country. Visit memorials and sights that, hidden away for four decades behind the Iron Curtain, are now restored, welcoming visitors from around the world: Dresden’s Semper Opera House and Baroque Zwinger galleries; the historic old town of Weimar and the Lutheran Wartburg castle in Eisenach. Or visit the St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, where the nonviolent changes of 1989 originated, and where prayers for peace, also known as “Monday prayers”, have been offered without interruption since 1982.

Berlin, the capital of Germany, has flourished since reunification and now boasts an exhilarating art and culture scene. From November 7 to 9, 2009, the “Festival of Freedom” will take place around the Brandenburg Gate as the highlight of the anniversary celebrations approaches, when a large chain of giant dominoes, erected along the former course of the Berlin Wall, will tumble down in a symbolic reenactment of the historic fall of that wall, kicking off a spectacular fireworks show.

Visit www.cometogermany.com — your resource for travel to Germany with a wealth of information on destinations, flights, accommodation, events, travel tips, special offers and more.